US mistakenly strikes, killing at least 9 Afghan police officers.

A US airstrike in Helmand province, Afghanistan, killed at least nine security personnel.

A US airstrike in Helmand province. Photo: Nation.

Afghan forces were hit by an airstrike on July 21 while conducting an operation in the volatile Gereshk district, according toWashington Post.This is where Afghan and American forces are engaged in fierce fighting with the Taliban.

At least nine people have died, and that number could rise, according to William Salvin, spokesman for NATO's "Resolute Support" program.Local media reported 17 deaths.

Hayatullah Hayat, the leader of Helmand province, said that two national police commanders were among the dead and many bodies remained in the rubble, making it difficult to determine the exact number of casualties.

"Police recaptured a facility from the enemy, and it was mistakenly attacked because the forces believed Taliban insurgents were still holed up there after they seized it on July 20," Hayat said. He added that 70 Taliban insurgents were killed in the attack.

The U.S. military will investigate to determine the specific circumstances leading to the incident.

According to VNE